Global PA CEO Parr: ‘PAs will never be eliminated’

Global PA Association Founder Rosemary Parr has leapt to the defence of PAs and EAs following a national newspaper article pitching ‘traditional’ PAs against Virtual Assistants.

The Daily Mail article claimed that many PAs are considering quitting their jobs after working from home for over a year, with plans to go freelance and work as VAs. The piece also claimed that some 500 PAs at Deloitte have been told that their jobs are at risk as it considers having “pools of secretaries” for staff to work with, and only the most senior members of management having PAs.

Parr told the newspaper: “As a result of Covid there may be some industries where there is a cut back in admin staff.

“However, no executive at a senior level can do their job to their best ability without an efficient EA/PA supporting them.

“EAs and PAs ease the pressure, take on multiple tasks, become the software and app expert, implement time saving structures and can make their executive 40 per cent -50 per cent more efficient.’

“Through Covid many of them I have trained tell them they have been given additional responsibility, manage reduced office staff and working from home schedules and Covid facilities management.

“The role is evolving and moving upwards into management with 50 per cent of the profession now educated to degree level. As a profession they will never be eliminated.”

Discussing the article with PA Life, she added: “There is a revolution going on within the EA/PA industry.

“Covid has fast tracked changes that would normally have taken another 5-10 years. EAs and PAs are at the forefront of tech changes and new ways of working. They have become an invaluable asset to organisations as they guide their Managers and Executives through the myriad collection of new apps and software.

“Our brains are working harder and faster than ever to keep up with 24 hour a day contact and communication. An Executive needs an EA/PA who is his Second Brain – carrying around all the reminders, problem solving behind the scenes and, when necessary, taking the ‘Helicopter View’ of what is a priority in the current moment and what is not.

“Today’s EAs and PAs need to be smart, intelligent, business savvy, forward thinking, proactive and positive.

“Global PA champions and supports the industry with professional development, accredited training, career advice and job news.”